Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba says Chelsea partner Andriy Shevchenko needs to be less selfish if he wants to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

"I like to share. But when I give, I like to have something in return," Drogba told France Football magazine in an interview.

"That is what happened last year with Hernan Crespo. This season, let us say it is a bit different.

"On his (Shevchenko's) side I do not really sense the desire to collaborate.

"We know we are not rivals as there is room for two up front, which was not the case in past years."

Drogba believes the Ukrainian is under too much pressure to understand he has to cooperate with his team mate.

"Maybe he thinks he must justify his transfer by scoring no matter what it takes. It is really hard to deal with for him," Drogba was quoted as saying.

"But I was also in that position when I arrived in Chelsea.

"At Chelsea more than anywhere else you have to think of the squad before thinking to yourself."

Shevchenko has scored three goals from 21 Premier League games and his lack of form has caused tension at the English champions.

British newspapers have been awash in recent weeks with reports of a standoff between billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, who is a personal friend of Shevchenko, and Mourinho who has been exasperated with the striker, suggesting he could make more effort.

Shevchenko scored twice last Tuesday, the second laid on by Drogba, in Chelsea's 4-0 League Cup semi-final second leg win against fourth division Wycombe Wanderers, his first goals in any competition for seven weeks.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP